Scenic Hudson Earns National Recognition for Land Preservation and Creating Public Parks

HUDSON VALLEY -- Scenic Hudson has been recognized for meeting the highest standards in its work to preserve land for public benefit. Earlier this month the Poughkeepsie-based land preservation and environmental group was awarded accreditation status by an independent commission of The Land Trust Alliance, a national land preservation advocacy group.

"The 39 organizations we awarded accreditation have met national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever," said Land Trust Accreditation Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn. "The public can be confident that accredited land groups have undergone an extensive external review of their management and the systems and policies they use to protect land."

"We're honored that our 45-year track record in saving land and creating parks up and down the river has received this 'gold seal' of credibility and professionalism," said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan. "Land preservation is our top priority because it's the foundation of a healthy environment."

Senior Vice President Steve Rosenberg, who oversees the group's land preservation and parks initiatives, spoke of how the accreditation process strengthens Scenic Hudson. Mr. Rosenberg stated that the review was rigorous, demanding extensive documentation and a thorough audit of how Scenic Hudson manages all facets of its land preservation. "We're in a time when people rightfully demand high accountability from nonprofits, and Scenic Hudson has proven – just as hospitals, universities and other institutions with accreditation programs have – that we deserve the public's trust. At a critical time for the valley, our land preservation work is at the top of its game."

Boost for Saving the Land That Matters Most campaign

Scenic Hudson officials indicated that the accreditation will add momentum to its collaborative effort with New York State and local government as well as 15 local and national land trusts to preserve 65,000 acres deemed to be of the highest scenic, ecological and agricultural significance. Since announcing the campaign 14 months ago, Scenic Hudson has completed 16 transactions conserving 1,616 acres in Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties. The group also has provided funding to help five communities in Albany, Dutchess, Rockland and Westchester counties create or improve public parks.

Land preservation answers valley's environmental challenges, boosts economy

Conserved land helps ensure clean drinking water and healthy air. Helping preserve working farms provides healthy produce, supports food security and keeps economies of rural communities energized. Safeguarding forests reduces climate change, protects wildlife habitat and contributes to a healthy ecosystem. Preserving world-class views and historic sites sustains the valley's reputation as a leading destination – helping fuel a tourism industry worth $4.5 billion annually in the valley's 10 counties.

The value of preserved land to economic development is further underscored by a recent nationwide survey of 2,000 corporate executives, site-selection consultants and real estate brokers conducted by the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. The survey revealed positive attitudes toward the valley and that the words most associated with the region were "scenic beauty" and "nature." Respondents also regarded the valley's unique quality of life as one of the region's greatest strengths.

Partners in Saving the Land That Matters Most

In addition to state and local government, Scenic Hudson collaborates with the following land trusts in its campaign: Audubon New York, Columbia Land Conservancy, Dutchess Land Conservancy, Esopus Creek Conservancy, Greene Land Trust, The Highlands Coalition, Hudson Highlands Land Trust, Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Open Space Institute, Trust for Public Land, Wallkill Valley Land Trust, Westchester Land Trust, and Winnakee Land Trust.

About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

The commission is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts from around the nation. More information is available at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. To date Scenic Hudson has created or enhanced more than 50 parks, preserves and historic sites up and down the Hudson River and conserved more than 30,000 acres.

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